Superconducting Layer Connection with Bimodal Grains for Low Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection structures for superconducting wires in nuclear magnetic resonance devices and magnetic resonance imaging devices face challenges in achieving both low electric resistance and high mechanical strength, particularly when connecting superconducting coils, as high-temperature sintering can degrade superconductivity and low-temperature sintering results in high resistance.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure for superconducting layers using a bimodal distribution of crystal grains containing rare earth elements, barium, copper, and oxygen, with a combination of large and small grains, is formed through a two-step heat treatment process, ensuring low electric resistance and high mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-temperature sintering is used to reduce electric resistance, then electrical conductivity improves, but mechanical strength degrades and superconductivity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sintering process is divided into two distinct stages: a first sintering step at a lower temperature to form the green body and establish mechanical integrity, followed by a second sintering step at a higher temperature to reduce electrical resistance and enhance superconducting properties. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sintering step performs preliminary consolidation of the superconducting ceramic powder to create a mechanically stable green body with adequate strength. This preliminary action establishes the structural foundation before the second sintering step optimizes the electrical and superconducting properties, preventing mechanical degradation during the high-temperature process.
2Strength
If low-temperature sintering is used to preserve mechanical strength, then structural integrity improves, but electric resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sintering process is divided into two distinct stages: a first sintering step at a lower temperature to form the green body and establish mechanical integrity, followed by a second sintering step at a higher temperature to reduce electrical resistance and enhance superconducting properties. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sintering step performs preliminary consolidation of the superconducting ceramic powder to create a mechanically stable green body with adequate strength. This preliminary action establishes the structural foundation before the second sintering step optimizes the electrical and superconducting properties, preventing mechanical degradation during the high-temperature process.
3Length of moving object
If multiple superconducting wires are connected to increase length, then wire length improves, but connection reliability and mechanical strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple superconducting wires are merged into a single continuous structure through the connection structure, which integrates the wires and the superconducting layer into a unified assembly. This merging ensures continuous superconducting current flow and maintains mechanical strength across the connection point, achieving both increased effective length and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure acts as an intermediary component that joins multiple superconducting wires while maintaining superconducting properties. It provides a transition zone with optimized grain structure and composition that ensures low resistance and high mechanical strength, enabling reliable wire elongation without compromising connection integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed connection structure achieves low electric resistance and maintains high mechanical strength, enabling effective superconducting performance in devices like NMR and MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
a connection layer disposed between the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer, the connection layer including crystal grains containing a rare earth element (RE), barium (Ba), copper (Cu), and oxygen (O)
Implementation Method 2
a superconducting coil is used to generate a strong magnetic field. The superconducting coil is formed by winding a superconducting wire around a winding frame
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure for a superconducting layer according to an embodiment includes a first superconducting layer; a second superconducting layer; and a connection layer disposed between the first superconducting layer and the second superconducting layer, the connection layer including crystal grains containing a rare earth element (RE), barium (Ba), copper (Cu), and oxygen (O), the crystal grains having a grain size distribution including a bimodal distribution. The bimodal distribution includes a first distribution including a first peak and a second distribution including a second peak. A first grain size corresponding to the first peak is larger than a second grain size corresponding to the second peak. Among the crystal grains, crystal grains having a grain size corresponding to the first distribution include a crystal grain having a plate shape or a flat shape.